It is prerogative of Election Commission to announce polls: Ex-CEC TS Krishnamurthy

COIMBATORE: Former chief election commissioner TS Krishnamurthy today said it was the prerogative of the Election Commission ( EC) to consider various facts before announcing Assembly elections or by-elections.

"It is prerogative of EC to take into account various facts before announcing elections to Assembly or by-elections. Law is very clear and while having regard to circumstances, the Commisson has to consider various facts," he said.

He was replying to a question on the "delay" in announcing Srirangam Assembly constituency, represented by AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa, vacant and announcing by-elections in the wake of her disqualification consequent to her conviction in illegal assets case.

Opposition parites have been demanding that the seat be declared vacant to faciliate by-election.

To another quesiton on different views on Electronic Voting Machines ( EVM), Krishnamurthy, who successfully conducted the 2004 general elections using EVMS for the first time in all polling stations, said it was okay to use the machines though there were reservations from some parties and individuals.

"In my opinion EVM is perfect. It is India's innovation and has credibility and (is) authentic."

Asked about money allegedly playing a big role in polls, Krishnamurthy, here to participate in a school function, said there was deficiency in the rules. There was no no limit for political parties on spending, whereas it applied to individual candidates, he said.

Stating that he had already suggested to have a National Election Fund, in which no companies should contribute to the political parties, he said that the fund can be used to conduct the elections, in which there would be no role of money.